Former Dr Who star David Tennant is to return to Glasgow to play a leading role in a new BBC drama about the pressures of being a single parent.

The Scot, who trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in the city, will star in the “emotionally powerful yet funny” four-part drama being made through BBC Scotland, called Single Father.

Set and shot entirely in Glasgow, Tennant will play a man who is struggling to raise four children after the death of his wife in the drama written by Mick Ford and produced by Red Production Company.

The character, Dave, is a photographer who then falls for his late wife’s best friend.

He struggles with falling in love again while being a father to his children.

Tennant, 38, who grew up in Ralston in Renfrewshire, said: “I feel very lucky to have been sent this script.

“ When I read what Mick Ford had written I was desperate to be part of this project. And to be working with Red Production Company again makes me very happy indeed.”

BBC 1 controller Jay Hunt said she was delighted ­Tennant’s next starring role on British television would be on BBC 1.

Red Production Com­pany made Casanova – which starred Tennant in the lead role – and Queer as Folk, and will start filming Single Father in March.

Its producer will be Peter Gallagher, who produced The Flying Scotsman and My Name is Joe, and will be executively produced by Anne Mensah for BBC Scotland.

Nicola Shindler, executive producer for Red Production Company, said: “David brings the emotional connection, warmth and humour that Single Father needs.”

Ms Mensah, head of drama for BBC Scotland, said: “I loved Mick Ford’s scripts the first time I read them. It’s the most beautiful yet funny tale of grief, loss and new love you could hope to encounter. David Tennant is an amazing actor and perfect for the role.”

Other dramas produced by BBC Scotland for the network include Wallander and Waterloo Road.

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